Symmetric Encryption

Synonyms

Secret-key encryption

Definition

Symmetric encryption, also known as secret key encryption, is a form of data encryption where a single secret key is used for both encryption and decryption.

Key Points

Modern symmetric encryption algorithms are often classified into stream ciphers and block ciphers. In a stream cipher, the key is used to generate a pseudo-random key stream, and the ciphertext is computed by using a simple operation (e.g., bit XOR or modular addition) to combine the plaintext bits and the key stream bits. Many stream ciphers implemented in hardware are constructed using linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs). The use of LFSRs on their own, however, is insufficient to provide good security. Additional variation and enhancement are needed to increase the security of LFSRs. RC4 is the most widely-used software stream cipher and is used in popular protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) (to protect Internet traffic) and WEP (to secure wireless networks).

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